One in Four Persons in Serbia Will Be Aged over 65 by 2041

Brankica Jankovic (Beta/GIZ)

On the occasion of the International Day of Older People, observed on Oct. 1, Commissioner for the protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic said that one in four persons in Serbia would be aged over 65 by 2041, noting that it was necessary to eliminate the narrative that older people were a burden to the society. 

Jankovic described the consequences of discriminating against older people as “serious and far-reaching.” “Older people are mostly discriminated in provision of healthcare and social services and use of public space and transport, they are often not sufficiently informed and are digitally excluded. A large number of older people live alone, in poverty or at risk of poverty, they are exposed to various forms of violence, negligence, self-neglect, disrespect, and marginalization,” the commissioner said. 

She also said that it was necessary to reform provision of long-term care and support formal informal caregivers. Jankovic added that three intergenerational centers in three local self-communities would be set up next year.  

Ombudsman Zoran Pasalic said that ensuring access to health services, social protection and inclusion, as well as mental health were crucial to empowering this group, noting that the least the society could and had to do for older citizens was to ensure they were getting old with dignity, while providing them full support and respecting their rights. 

Pasalic also said that older people normally faced isolation and marginalization, which was why it was important to create an inclusive environment that would engage them in social activities and enable them to be active members of their communities.